Wednesday February 13, 1861

Virginia Secession Convention Meets

Delegates, who had been elected on February 4, gathered in Richmond, Virginia, to consider the issue of secession. Those opposing immediate secession-- labeled "Cooperationists" or "Unionists"-- overwhelmingly outnumbered the radicals. The convention rejected immediate secession, but remained in session. It awaited events and prepared to act if the federal government attempted to coerce the South.

Commentary

Bibliography: Potter, Impending Crisis, pp. 507-13; Potter, Lincoln and His Party, pp. 354-56; Nicolay and Hay, Lincoln, 3: 422-23.